[MissTeeks]

Scott Burnside article:

http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/i...-jarome-iginla

Although Iginla’s offensive numbers are not what they once were, he did score the winning goal in the Flames’ last game a 3-2 win over St. Louis. It was the 83rd game-winner of Iginla’s career.

"The way I look at Jarome Iginla, he’s a very proud athlete. He’s always in the gym, he always works hard and looking at the minutes we’re giving him, we didn’t see any slowing down or anything," Hartley said.

"He’s a very proud man. He’s a franchise player and those guys are very unique individuals. They’re unique players and they’re unique human beings. It’s just lots of fun to work with Jarome."

Still, Hartley would not explore the idea of what it might be like to coach a team that did not have the familiar No. 12 in the lineup.

"Anything is possible. I don’t trade, I coach. I’ll stick to my job and I’m sure that Jay and his group will do what’s best for the Calgary Flames," Hartley said.

Teammate Mike Cammalleri said there is no avoiding the speculation that surrounds the team captain and really everyone else in the dressing room.

"As far as the speculation, most of us can read. We’re aware of it," he said.

"The best way to deal with it is to understand it. It’s not that hard to understand. We play in a Canadian market where people love their hockey. Jarome Iginla has been the face of the Calgary Flames franchise for, how long now? There’s going to be a lot of gossip when it comes to this topic.

"As far as us players, he hasn’t been any different in the room."

It is easier said than done, given the contractual baggage that is attached to many of the Flames’ players.

Although the Flames do not technically occupy the bottom spot in the NHL standings, if you asked 100 hockey people to name the worst organization in the NHL right now, at least 90 would name the Flames. Edmonton, Florida even misguided Colorado have more reasons for optimism for the future.

But fortunes can change quickly in the NHL.